History
Why did people in Central Asia respond to the Russian Revolution in different ways?
Russian Revolution
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Answer
The Bolsheviks controlled most of the former Russian empire by January 1920. People in Central Asia responded positively and with enthusiasm to the February Revolution of 1917 because the revolution freed them from the oppression of Tsar's regime and strengthened their hopes for autonomy. They responded with fear to the October Revolution of 1917, because the autocracy of Tsar was replaced by the autocracy of Bolsheviks. In Khiva in Central Asia, Bolshevik colonist brutally massacred local nationalists in the name of defending socialism. In this situation, people in Central Asia were confused about the real nature of Bolshevik Government. Therefore, people of Central Asia responded to the Russian Revolution differently.
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Related Questions
Look again at Source A and Box 1.
(a) List five changes in the mood of the workers.
(b) Place yourself in the position of a woman who has seen both situations and write an account of what has changed.
Box 1
Women in the February Revolution
'Women workers, often … inspired their male co-workers … At the Lorenz telephone factory, … Marfa Vasileva almost single handedly called a successful strike. Already that morning, in celebration of Women’s Day, women workers had presented red bows to the men … Then Marfa Vasileva, a milling machine operator stopped work and declared an impromptu strike. The workers on the floor were ready to support her … The foreman informed the management and sent her a loaf of bread. She took the bread but refused to go back to work. The administrator asked her again why she refused to work and she replied, “I cannot be the only one who is satiated when others are hungry”. Women workers from another section of the factory gathered around Marfa in support and gradually all the other women ceased working. Soon the men downed their tools as well and the entire crowd rushed onto the street.'
From: Choi Chatterji, Celebrating Women (2002).
Read the two views on the revolution in the countryside. Imagine yourself to be a witness to the events. Write a short account from the standpoint of:
- an owner of an estate
- a small peasant
- a journalist
Compare the passages written by Shaukat Usmani and Rabindranath Tagore. Read them in relation to Sources C, D and E.
- What did Indians find impressive about the USSR?
- What did the writers fail to notice?
Imagine that you are a striking worker in 1905 who is being tried in court for your act of rebellion. Draft the speech you would make in your defence. Act out your speech for your class.